The Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA) is excited about the release of the draft standards for vapour products in South Africa for public comment. VPASA encourages the public, manufacturers, suppliers, and resellers of vapour products to submit their comments before 16 July 2024.

The comments received will assist in refining the final standards, localise global vaping standards, and improving the quality of vaping products manufactured and sold in South Africa.

The approval of the SABS/TC 2112 SANS 2094 ED1 by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Standards Approval Committee is a significant move that will enable the collection of valuable insights about vapour products. The standards for vapour products are now officially gazetted under the government notice no.50739 (4898) by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition as published on 31 May 2024 in terms of the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No. 8 of 2008).

“As a self-regulating industry, we are excited about this process as it will encourage full ownership and accountability when it comes to manufacturing, consumer safety and quality vapour products. We believe that this will shift the current policy regulation & excise conversations to the next level” says Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of Vapour Products Association South Africa.

The proposed draft standards are designed based on global normative practices and specify the minimum safety requirements for vaping products devices and their components including e-liquid containers, and associated accessories intended for the production and inhalation of aerosol or vapour.

“The key issue is to invigorate current self-regulation and have the consistency of product quality across the industry. Getting this standard off the ground will help to reassure the public that they are also complying with globally accepted standards and practices for safety”, added Gcoyi.

The announcement of the SANS for the vaping industry marks a pivotal moment in the regulation and development of vaping products in South Africa. This move signifies a proactive approach by the association to engage stakeholders and the regulatory body in shaping policies that will govern the production, sale, and use of vapour products devices in South Africa.

The standards are only applicable to electronic vaping products and similar vapour-producing devices intended for the production of aerosol from e-liquids with or without nicotine for consumption by inhalation and exclude any tobacco products and pharmaceutically regulated products in any form or manner.

Please follow these links for more information about the vaping products standards and to submit a comment.